Apparatus for transferring packages



Oct. 10,1967 j, cK 3,345,799

APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING PACKAGES Filed June 21. 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 1R. J. HICKIN 3,345,799

Oct. 10,1967

APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING PACKAGES 4 Sheets-Shet 2 I Filed June 21,1965 Oct. 10,1967

APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING PACKAGES Filed June 21. 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 4R. J. HICKIN 3,345,799

United States Patent 3,345,799 APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING PACKAGESRobert J. Hickin, Seville, Ohio, assignor to Packaging Corporation ofAmerica, Evanston, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed June 21, 1965,Ser. No. 465,540

14 Claims. (Cl. 53-47) This invention relates to an apparatus fortransferring packages, such as cartons, and more particularly to anapparatus for changing the attitude of a folding carton during closingthereof.

In the packaging field, seal end cartons are commonly used for thepackaging of a wide variety of solid, nonflowable materials. In numerouscommercial packaging operations the setting up, filling, and sealing ofsuch cartons are accomplished on equipment commonly referred to ascartoning machines. With such a machine, the carton subsequent to beingset up, is fed onto and moved by a flighted conveyor with the endclosure flaps of the carton facing the width of the conveyor and thelarge side panels disposed parallel to the direction of conveyormovement. While the carton is being moved by the flighted conveyor, thecontents are deposited in the carton whereupon the tabs are folded, glueapplied to the flaps, and flap closure made. The foregoing operationswere normally performed while the carton remained in the aforedescribedposition on the conveyor. The carton is then passed through a beltedpressure section of the conveyor which retains the flap closures inmated position until an adhesive bond is obtained. The adhesive commonlyused to seal the carton flaps is a cold dextrin or resin type glue whichrequires approximately 40 seconds to assure a trouble-free bond.

In commercial packaging installations where, for example, the packageline speed is 100 cartons per minute and each carton is of such a sizethat when it assumes one attitude on the conveyor, it occupiesapproximately one foot of drying conveyor length,-the drying conveyor,in order to provide the necessary 4tl-se-cond interval, would have to beapproximately 66 feet long. If, however, this same carton through achange of attitude would occupy only approximately 2 inches of dryingconveyor length, the length of the drying conveyor could be reduced toapproximately 11 feet.

Various methods and apparatus have heretofore been provided to effectthe change of attitude of the package (carton) so as to enable theshorter drying conveyor to be used. One such prior method was to causethe flat packages, that is to say, packages disposed in an attituderequiring the greater amount of conveyor length, to drop onto the dryingconveyor, disposed at a lower level, and during the course of the dropto cause the attitude of each package to be changed so that the packagewould be fed onto the drying conveyor and occupy only a minimum ofconveyor length. The shortcomings of this prior method were that itsubjected the package and its contents to abusive treatment, and alsotended to cause loss of control of the previously folded end flaps.

A second prior method and apparatus was to deposit the fiat package ontoa reciprocating arm which then would lift and move the deposited packagethrough an arc of approximately 90 degrees and thus effect a change ofattitude thereof. With such an arrangement it was necessary that the armhave a reciprocatory movement rather than an intermittent revolvingmotion so that the packages deposited on the drying conveyor would notobstruct the arm movement. One of the principal problems which besetprior apparatus of this type was that it was not suitable for high-speedpackaging line operation. In addition the apparatus was susceptible tofrequent malfunction requiring an inordinate amount of maintenance.

Thus, it is one of the objects of this invention to provide an apparatusfor readily changing the attitude of a package and which is not besetwith the shortcomings associated with prior methods and apparatus.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus whichis capable of functioning in a high speed packaging line and yet gentlyhandle each package while the latter is undergoing a change of attitude.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus whichmay be readily adjusted to handle packages of varying sizes and shapes.

It is a further'object of this invention to provide an apparatus whichrequires but a minimum of maintenance and is of compact size.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a method ofchanging the attitude of a package while the plane of support for thepackage remains the same.

. It is a still further object of this invention to provide a methodwhereby the folding of end and side flaps might be accomplishedsimultaneously with the change in attitude of the package.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description,accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention an apparatus isprovided for changing the attitude of a package while the latter ismoving in a given plane. The apparatus includes a conveyor means havinga portion thereof disposed adjacent to the given plane and moving in apredetermined direction. Carried by the conveyor means portion is apivotally mounted flight which, when in a first position of pivotaladjustment, has a first segment thereof transversely disposed withrespect to the given plane. The flight first segment, while in thetransversely-disposed position, engages the package disposed in a firstattitude on said given plane, and moves same in the predetermineddirection. Upon the package being moved a predetermined distance in saidgiven plane, the flight is actuated by cam means to a second position ofpivotal adjustment, whereby a second segment of the flight assumes atransverse position with respect to the given plane. The pivotalactuation of the flight simultaneously imparts a corresponding pivotalmovement to the package whereupon the package assumes a second attitudewith respect to the given plane. The flight second segment, while in itstransversely-disposed position, engages the package in its changedattitude and continues movement of the package in the predetermineddirection along the given plane. Throughout the movement of the flight,the package is continuously engaged thereby.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should bemade to the drawings wherein:

.FIG. 1 is a fragmentary top plane view of a portion of a commercialpackaging line in which the improved apparatus is shown incorporatedtherein.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the improvedapparatus.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged fragmentary perspective views showing one ofthe pivotally mounted flights in two positions of adjustment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the improvedapparatus in a slightly modified form.

FIGS, 6 and 7 are perspective views of one form of a conveyor flight.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of the improved apparatus andshowing the flights of a conveyor section in various positions withrespect to a cam surface.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, a portionof a high speed packaging line 10 is shown in which the improvedapparatus 11 forms a part thereof. The illustrated portion of thepackaging line includes the following stations: A station for closingthe carton cover; B station for applying glue to one flap of the closedcover; C station for changing the direction of travel of the cartonwhile the latter is disposed in a first attitude I; D station forapplying glue to a pair of second flaps formed on the closed cartoncover; E station for effecting movement of the carton to a secondattitude II while the carton is being conveyed and supported in a givenplane; and F station for conveying and sealing the cartons whiledisposed in attitude II.

For purposes of facilitating understanding of the invention at hand, theoperation of line 10 and the improved apparatus 11 are hereinafterdescribed in relation to a conventional rectangularly-shaped paperboardcarton 12. The carton, which forms no part of the instant invention,includes a rectangular tray section having a broad bottom panel 12a, seeFIG. 5, and upright side and end walls 12b delimiting said panel.Foldably connected to one side wall is a cover 12c. The cover in theillustrated embodiment is provided with a front flap 12d and a pair ofend closure flaps 1242.

Prior to the carton reaching station A, filling thereof has occurredeither manually or by automatic loading equipment, not shown. Subsequentto loading, carton 12, while disposed in attitude I, is moved indirection Y by a belt or chain type conveyor 13 which is of conventionalconstruction. Carton 12, while in attitude I has broad bottom panel 12athereof engaging the supporting plane. Upon passing through station A,the carton cover 120 is automatically closed by a fixed plow 14, seeFIG. 1. The cover 12, when closed by plow 14, is horizontally disposedas well as flaps 12d and 12e carried thereby. Flap 12d extendslaterally, or transversely, with respect to the direction of travel Y ofsaid carton. Flaps 12s, on the other hand, extend in the direction oftravel of the carton.

Upon the carton being moved past station B, the underside of cover flap12d engages a glue wheel or roller 15 whereupon .a coating of adhesiveis applied thereto. It is to be understood, of course, that the adhesivecoating may be applied by brush, spraying or any other suitable means.

After leaving station E, the carton while still disposed in attitude I,continues to move in direction Y until it reaches station C whereuponthe direction of movement of the carton is changed to direction Z whichin the illustrated embodiment is at a right angle to direction Y.

Station C is disposed at the infeed end of improved apparatus 11. Themovement of carton 12 in direction Z is accomplished by a flightedchain-type conveyor 16, the construction of which will be described morefully hereinafter. As the carton, while in attitude I, is being moved indirection Z, the horizontally disposed end closure flaps 12e extendlaterally at right angles With respect to direction Z, and flap 12dextends in a direction opposite from the direction of movement of thecarton. With the end closure flaps so positioned, an adhesive coat isapplied to the underside of each flap 12e as the carton is moved paststation D. The method of applying the coating to flaps 12c at station Dmay be the same as utilized at station D.

Subsequent to flaps 12e being adhesively coated, carton 12, while beingmoved in direction Z undergoes a change in attitude from attitude I toattitude II. The manner in which such change of attitude is effectedwill be discussed more fully hereinafter. Carton attitude II is when thecarton is resting upon a narrow side wall 12b of the tray section. Sidewall 12b of carton 12, in the illustrated embodiment, has a surface areaof approximately one half or less the area of bottom panel 12a.

While carton 12 is changing from attitude I to attitude II, the flap 12dis plowed into overlapping sealing relation with the front side wall ofthe carton tray sect-ion. Folding of flaps He may simultaneously occurwith or precede the change of attitude of the carton. Upon the coverflaps being plowed into sealing engagement, the carton is moved onto ahorizontally disposed elongated surface 17 wherein sealing pressure isapplied to the folded flaps for a suflicient time to permit the adhesivecoating to effect a sealing bond between the flaps and the respectivewalls of the carton.

Sealing pressure is transmitted to the end closure flaps by a pair ofdriven endless belts 18. The adjacent runs 18a of the belts are disposedin spaced substantially parallel upright relation and are aligned withthe elongated marginal portions of surface 17. Belt runs 18asimultaneously move in direction Z. The spacing between adjacent beltruns 18a is such that the proper amount of compressive force will beexerted endwise of the carton.

The necessary sealing force exterted on cover flap 12d is produced inthe illustrated embodiment by a set of bars 20 arranged in spaced,parallel, substantially coplanar relation above surface 17. Bars 20flare upwardly, see FIG. 5, at the infeed end of station B, so as toenable the carton to readily enter said station. Because the cartons 12,when disposed in attitude II, occupy substantially less supporting areathan when disposed in attitude I, the length of surface 17, belt runs18a and bars 20 may be materially reduced without adversely affectingthe time required within which sealing pressure must be applied to thecover flaps in order that a desired adhesive bond will be effected.

The improved apparatus 11 is shown more clearly in FIG. 2 and includes apair of elongated, spaced, substantially parallel horizontally disposedsupport rails 21 upon which a carton rests while moving from station C,through station D to station -E. Rails 21 are disposed in coplanarrelation with respect to a similar rail 22 formed adjacent conveyor 13.Rails 21 and 22 in the illustrated embodiment are arranged in transverserelation with respect to one another.

A carton, while in attitude -I, is properly positioned on rails 21 by apair of reciprocating pusher fingers 23 which are mounted adjacent thedischarge end of conveyor 13. A guide 24 is disposed above rails 22 andholds the carton in contact with rails 22 while the carton is beingmoved by conveyor 13.

Chain type conveyor 16, which extends from station C and is disposed ata right angle with respect to conveyor 13, includes a pair of spacedendless chain sections 16A and 16B; each section being aligned with oneof the rails 21 and supported by suitable sprockets 19. Carried on eachchain section 16A and 16B are a plurality of longitudinally spacedpivotally mounted flights 25. Corresponding flights on each chainsection are aligned transversely with respect to the direction ofmovement of the chain sections. The structural details of the flightswill be discussed more fully hereinafter.

Disposed between chain sections 16A and 16B and beneath rails 21 areelongated cam bars 26, only one being shown, the function of which is tocontrol the pivotal movement of the flights as the latter are moved indirection Z by the upper segments of the chain sections from station Cto station E.

To retain initially the end closure flaps 122 of each carton in theirhorizontal laterally extending position as each carton is moved awayfrom station C, a pair of spaced parallel guide bars 27 are providedwhich are disposed above and sidewise of rails 21. Cooperating with eachguide bar 27 is an elongated plow 28, which is adapted to cause an endclosure flap 12e to be folded into sealing engagement with thecorresponding end wall 12b of the carton tray subsequent to the cartonhaving been moved past station D where an adhesive coating is applied tothe underside of the flap.

One form of flights 25, carried by the chain sections 16A and 16B, isshown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and includes a flat, quasi-triangularly shapedbase member 30 which is provided with a bearing opening 31disposedadjacent one apex, or corner '32, thereof. Opening 31 is adapted toacommodate a laterally extending stud 31 carried by one of the chainlinks. Adjustably mounted on one side 33 of member 30, said sidecooperating to form corner 32, is a substantially L-shaped piece 34. Thelonger leg 35 of piece 34 is affixed to side 33 by a pair of fasteners36 which extend through an elongated slot 37 formed in the leg 35 andare threaded into suitable openings, not shown, formed in the base side33. The short leg 38 of piece 34 extends at a right angle from leg 35.

Disposed adjacent a second corner 40 of piece 34 is a follower 41 whichis adapted to engage the upper surface of the cam bar 26, as the flightis being moved from station C to station E.

It will be noted in FIG. 2 that cam bar 26 has an elongated firstsection 2611 wherein the upper surface thereof is flat and horizontallydisposed. Section 26a extends from station C beyond station D to theentrance of station E at which point a second cam bar section 26b isprovided.

The upper surface of section 26b inclines upwardly at approximately a 45angle and terminates in a horizontally disposed raised third section260. While the follower 41 is engaging cam bar section 26a, the shortleg 38 of piece 34 extends above the horizontal plane formed by cartonsupport rails 21 and engages the trailing front side of the carton traysection subsequent to the latter having been deposited on rails 21 atstation C. As the follower 41 moves up inclined cam section 26b, theflight 25 is caused to. pivot upwardly about stud 31 as a fulcrumthrough an arc of approximately 90, whereupon the piece longer leg 35extends above the plane of rails 21 and assumes a substantiallytransverse position with respect thereto. Simultaneously with thepivoting of flight 25, the carton 12, initially contacted by leg 38while disposed in attitude I, is moved to attitude II whereby leg 35contacts the bottom panel 12a and continues movement of the carton 12 indirection Z.

As the carton 12 moves from attitude I to attitude II the ends of thecarton are engaged by a pair of guide plates 29, see FIG. 5. In order toeffect smooth gentle handling of the carton while it is changingattitude, the pressure exerted on the carton ends is unequal. Thisunequal pressure is eflected by having carton-contacting surfaces of theplates tapered slightly toward the supporting surface provided by rails21.

In order to assure that the carton 12 while in attitude II is in properposition as it is initially engaged by the compression belts 18, adepending fork 32' is provided which is adapted to engage the verticallydisposed bottom panel 12a of the carton. The movement of the fork 32 isin a vertical arcuate path which is effected by a pair of verticallyaligned rotating discs 33' and 34, see FIG. 5. Each disc is mounted on ahorizontal disposed shaft 35'. Pivotally connected to the correspondingface of each disc is a vertically disposed arm 36 which forms a part ofthe fork 32'.

The depending fingers 37' of fork 32' are positioned so as to extendbetween bars 20, when the fork is actuated downwardly into engagementwith a carton. Because of the arcuate movement of fork 32' the latterengages and disengages the carton in a gentle fashion. The spacingbetween consecutive flights on a chain section 16A or 16B is sufficientto permit the fork fingers 37' to readily engage and disengage thecarton Without interference.

Bars 20 are adapted to engage the front flap 12d of the carton cover andfold same into overlapping sealing engagement with the front side wall12b of the carton tray 6 section, as the carton commences movementthrough station E. It will be noted in FIG. 5 that each bar 20 has avertical stud 42 which is connected to a cross support piece 43. Piece43 is adapted to be vertically adjustable so that bars 20 mayaccommodate cartons or packages of various sizes and shapes.

In addition to bars 20 being adjustable, the spacing be-' tween pressurebelts 18, plates 29, guide rods 27, and plows 28 may also be varied toaccommodate various size cartons. Adjustment of L-shaped member 34 isreadily accomplished for this purpose through fasteners 36 disposedwithin the elongated slot 37. formed in leg portion 35.

Once the carton while in attitude II has been moved by fork 32 intoengagement with the pressure belts 18, the flight 25 will fall away fromthe trailing side of the carton by reason of the flight follower 41coming to the end of cam segment 260, see FIG. 8. It will be noted inFIGS. 6 and 7 that flight 25 is provided with a tongue-like projection44. This projection is adapted to contact a cam disc 45, see FIG. 2, andthus cause the follower 41 to be in position to engage the surface ofcam section 26a.

It is to be understood that the disposition of the carton when in eitherattitude I or II may be varied from that shown and will depend in largemeasure upon the shape and size of the carton or package in question.

Thus, it Will be seen that an apparatus has been provided fortransferring cartons in a simple, expedient and gentle manner. Theimproved apparatus permits the adhesive bond between the cover flaps andthe respective walls of the carton tray to occur in an area of greatlyreduced length.

While several embodiments of this invention have been described above,further modifications may be made thereto and it is contemplated,therefore, by the appended claims, to cover any such modifications asfall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for changing the attitude of a package while the latteris moving in a given plane, said apparatus comprising conveyor meanshaving a portion thereof disposed adjacent to said plane and moving in apredetermined direction; a pivotally mounted flight carried by saidconveyor means portion, said flight, when in a first position of pivotaladjustment, having a first segment thereof transversely disposed withrespect to said plane for engaging and moving in said direction suchpackage while the latter is disposed in a first attitude,

. and, when in a second position of'pivotal adjustment,

having a second segment thereof transversely disposed with respect tosaid plane for engaging and continuing moving in said direction suchpackage when the latter is disposed in a second attitude, said flightduring pivotal adjustment thereof being adapted to be in continuousengagement with such package; and means engaging said flight to effectpivotal adjustment of the latter upon said flight reaching predeterminedstations of travel.

2. An apparatus for Changing the attitude of a package while the latteris moving in a given plane, said apparatus comprising conveyor meanshaving a portion thereof disposed adjacent to said plane and moving in apredetermined direction past a plurality of longitudinally spacedstations; a plurality of pivotally mounted flights arranged in spacedaligned relation and carried by said conveyor means portion, eachflight, when moving from a first station a second station, beingdisposed in a first position of pivotal adjustment and having a firstsegment thereof transversely disposed with respect to said plane andcontinuing moving in said predetermined direction such package while thelatter is disposed in a second attitude, each flight being adapted to bein continuous engagement with such package while the attitude of thelatter is being changed; and means disposed adjacent said stations andengaging said flights to effect pivotal adjustment thereof.

3. The apparatus recited in claim 2 wherein each flight is provided witha follower which is disposed in continuous engagement with the lastmentioned means.

4. The apparatus recited in claim 2 wherein said flight first and secondsegments are disposed in substantially right angle relation.

5. An apparatus for changing the attitude of a package, while the latteris moving in a given plane, the package having a bottom, side walls, acover foldably connected to a side wall, and a plurality of sealingflaps foldably connected to the peripheral edge of the cover, saidapparatus comprising conveyor means having a portion thereof disposedadjacent to said plane and moving in a predetermined direction; apivotally-mounted flight carried by said conveyor means portion, saidflight, when in a first position of pivotal adjustment, having a firstsegment thereof transversely disposed with respect to said plane forengaging a package side wall and moving in said direction the packagewhile in a first attitude whereby the package bottom is engaging saidgiven plane, and, when in a second position of pivotal adjustment,having a second segment thereof transversely disposed with respect tosaid plane for engaging the package bottom and continuing moving in saiddirection the package whilein a second attitude whereby the package sidewall opposite that engaged by said flight first segment is engaging saidgiven plane, said flight first segment adapted to be in continuousengagement with the package while the attitude thereof is being changed;first sealing flapfolding means disposed on opposite sides of saidconveyor means portion for engaging predetermined first sealing flapsand folding same into overlapping engagement with corresponding packageside walls as the package is being moved while in its first attitude;second sealing flap-folding means disposed in spaced relation above saidconveyor means portion for engaging a predetermined second sealing flapand folding same into overlapping engagement with a correspondingpackage side wall as the package is being moved while in its secondattitude; and cam means engaged by said flight for effecting pivotaladjustment thereof at predetermined stations of travel of said flight insaid given plane.

6. An apparatus for changing the attitude of a package while the latteris moving in a given plane, said apparatus comprising a first conveyormeans having a portion thereof disposed adjacent said plane and movingin a predetermined direction past a plurality of longitudinally spacedstations; a plurality of pivotally mounted first flights arranged inspaced aligned relation and carried by said conveyor means portion, eachflight, when moving from a first station to a second station, beingdisposed in a first position of pivotal adjustment and having a firstsegment thereof transversely disposed with respect to said plane forengaging and moving in said predetermined direction such package whiledisposed in a first attitude, and each flight, when moving from saidsecond station to a third station, being disposed in a second positionof pivotal adjustment and having a second segment thereof transverselydisposed with respect to said plane for engaging and continuing movingin said predetermined direction such package while the latter isdisposed in a secondattitude, each flight being adapted to be incontinuous engagement with such package while the attitude thereof ischanged; cam means disposed adjacent said stations and engaging saidflights to effect pivotal adjustment thereof; a second conveyor meansdisposed adjacent said first conveyor means and said third station forengaging the package upon the latter being discharged from said firstconveyor means; and a second flight spaced from said first and secondconveyor means for engaging the package While in said second attitudeand transferring such package from said first conveyor means to saidsecond conveyor means.

7. The apparatus recited in claim 6 wherein said second conveyor meansis disposed in longitudinal alignment with said first conveyor meansportion.

8. The apparatus recited in claim 6 including folding means disposedadjacent said first convey-0r means for engaging and folding into closedposition side flaps formed at the opposite sides of the package, whilethe latter is moving from said first station to said second station.

9. The apparatus recited in claim 6 including folding means disposedadjacent said first conveyor means for engaging and folding into closedposition side flaps formed at sides of the package during change ofattitude of the latter as said flights are moving from said first tosaid second positions of pivotal adjustment.

10. The apparatus recited in claim 6 wherein said second conveyor meansincludes a pair of spaced powerdiven endless belts between which thepackage when in its second attitude is caused to pass and is engagedthereby, said belts being driven about axes angularly disposed withrespect to said given plane.

11. An apparatus for changing the attitude of a moving package from afirst attitude wherein a broad surface of the package is supported in agiven plane to a second attitude wherein a narrow surface of the packageis supported in said given plane, said apparatus comprising a conveyormeans having a portion thereof disposed adjacent to and substantiallyparallel with said given plane and moving in a predetermined directionpast a first station; a pivotally-mounted flight carried by saidconveyor means portion, said flight, when in a first position of pivotaladjustment, being adapted to engage the package while the latter isdisposed in the first attitude and move the package in saidpredetermined direction to said first station, said flight upon movingpast said first station being adjusted to a second position of pivotaladjustment and effecting change of the package from the first attitudeto the second attitude; and cam means disposed adjacent said firststation and engaged by said flight and effecting pivotal adjustment ofsaid flight from said first to said second positions.

12. The apparatus recited in claim 11 including a second conveyor meansdisposed adjacent one end of said first conveyor means portion forreceiving and moving away from said flight the package subsequent to thelatter assuming its second attitude.

13. The appartus recited in claim 12 including a poweractuated packagetransfer element disposed adjacent said one end of the first conveyormeans portion, said transfer element being actuated in timed sequencewith said flight, upon the latter assuming the second position ofpiovtal adjustment, for engaging the package when in its second attitudeand guiding same into engagement with said second conveyor means.

14. A method for folding a side flap and end flaps connected to a coveragainst the respective side wall and end walls of a tray of a foldingcarton subsequent to the carton cover foldably connected to a secondside wall of the tray being folded into a closed position with respectto the open top of said tray, said method comprising placing the closedcarton on a plane with the bottom of the carton resting on said plane,moving in a linear direction the carton along said plane whereby thetray side to which said cover is connected is the leading side of saidcarton and is disposed substantially transverse with respect to saidlinear direction, pivoting said moving carton about the lower edge ofsaid leading sside to an upright position whereby said leading side isresting on said plane, engaging and folding at least one cover flapagainst a side of said carton tray simultaneously with the pivoting ofsaid carton, and exerting sealing pres- 10 sure on said folded flap assaid upright carton continues 2,356,120 8/1944 Slightam 198-33 to bemoved in said linear direction. 2,911,774 11/ 1959 Frank et a1 532303,288,268 11/ 1966 Fehely 198--33 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS5 TRAVIS S. MCGEHEE, Primary Examiner.

2,270,264 1/1942 Carruth 53-47 R. L. FARRIS, Assistant Examiner.

14. A METHOD FOR FOLDING A SIDE FLAP AND END FLAPS CONNECTED TO A COVERAGAINST THE RESPECTIVE SIDE WALL AND END WALLS OF A TRAY OF A FOLDINGCARTON SUBSEQUENT TO THE CARTON COVER FOLDABLY CONNECTED TO A SECONDSIDE WALL OF THE TRAY BEING FOLDED INTO A CLOSED POSITION WITH RESPECTTO THE OPEN TOP OF SAID TRAY, SAID METHOD COMPRISING PLACING THE CLOSEDCARTON ON A PLANE WITH THE BOTTOM OT THE CARTON RESTING ON SAID PLANE,MOVING IN A LINEAR DIRECTION THE CARTON ALONG SAID PLANE WHEREBY THETRAY SIDE TO WHICH SAID COVER IS CONNECTED IS THE LEADING SIDE OF SAIDCARTON AND IS DISPOSED SUBSTANTIALLY TRANSVERSE WITH RESPECT TO SAIDLINEAR DIRECTION, PIVOTING SAID MOVING CARTON ABOUT THE LOWER EDGE OFSAID LEADING ASIDE TO AN UPRIGHT POSITION WHEREBY SAID LEADING SIDE ISRESTING ON SAID PLANE, ENGAGING AND FOLDING AT LEAST ONE COVER FLAPAGAINST A SIDE OF SAID CARTON TRAY SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE PIVOTING OFSAID CARTON, AND EXERTING SEALING PRESSURE ON SAID FOLDED FLAP AS SAIDUPRIGHT CARTON CONTINUES TO BE MOVED IN SAID LINEAR DIRECTION.